Neoplatonism & Christianity

Dec 5, 2023

Discover the philosophical and theological parallels that shaped early Christian thought, including the influence of Plotinus, fusion of Platonic ideas with Christian theology, and the resonance of Neoplatonic concepts within Christian doctrines. Explore neoplatonism's impact on the unknowable nature of God, the influence of Origen and Neoplatonic ideas on the Capidosions' theology, the concept of union with God in Christianity, and the influence of Neoplatonism on Christian thinkers like pseudo-dionecias, Meister Eckhart, and Augustine.

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ANECDOTE

Possible Plotinus–Origen Student Link

Porphyry's Life of Plotinus reports that Plotinus and Origen studied under Ammonius Saccas in Alexandria.
This suggests possible personal connections linking early Christian thinkers to Platonist teachers.

INSIGHT

Origen's Platonizing Theology

Origen applied Platonic allegory to Scripture, interpreting Adam and Eve as souls descending into matter.
He also defended soul pre-existence and a largely apophatic conception of God.

INSIGHT

Return And Universal Restoration

Origen and Gregory of Nissa argued creation flows from God and will ultimately return, implying universal restoration (apocatastasis).
They framed divine goodness as incompatible with eternal damnation, echoing Neoplatonic return.

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Delve into the philosophical and theological parallels that shaped the development of early Christian thought. From the influence of Plotinus and his concepts of the One and the emanation of divine beings, to the fusion of Platonic ideas with Christian theology, this video uncovers the intellectual interplay that helped shape the foundations of Western spirituality. Explore how Neoplatonic concepts, such as the nature of the soul, the hierarchy of being, and the pursuit of the divine, found resonance within Christian doctrines.

Sources/Suggested Reading:

Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press.
Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.
Greer, Rowan A. (1979). "Origen: Selected Writings". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press.
Laird, Martin (2004). "Gregory of Nyssa and the grasp of faith: union, knowledge and divine presence". Oxford University Press.
Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co.
Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International.
McGinn, Bernard (2003). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man from Whom God Hid Nothing". Independent Publishers Group.
O'Meara, Dominic J. (1981). "Neoplatonism and Christian Thought". State University of New York Press.
Pine-Coffin, R.S. (Translated by) (2003). "Confessions". Penguin Classics.
Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.
O'Meara, Dominic J. (1999). "Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads". Oxford University Press.
Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.
Ware, Timothy (2015). "The Orthodox Church: An introduction to Eastern Christianity". New Edition. Penguin Books.

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